My dad died Wednesday, October 16th, 2002, after a two week illness. This is something I started on this summer, but he never got to see it. I hope it comes through somewhat in the right format. He was born in Joplin, in 1929, with Roots in Taney Co., and the White River Valley area too. This is for Bill LeRoy Johnston, 1929 to 2002. Daddy's Hands When Daddy held my hand, The world was safe. Cars couldn't hit me; Forests weren't ever scary; Bullies couldn't hurt me; Needles weren't so frightening; And life was good. When Daddy held my hand, We'd walk in the woods. I'd be 'Little Running Deer,' While he was 'Walking Deer,' And we'd have 'ventures. A flower, or a bird, an acorn, Or even a puddle All became lovely wonders For little boys And daddies too, And life was full of joy. When Daddy held my hand, We'd go on errands too. Hardware stores were An endless fascination And we'd find treasures there. The stationary store had bins, With smells of inks and paper, Which made me think of Daddy, Working away all day, With all those sights and sounds That he'd come home And tell us all about, And life was good. When Daddy held my hand, We'd go to church. I'd sing in the choir And light the candles, While he would watch and smile. I learned the stories and the promises That his daddy once taught him. Big Brother and I, together, Learned that God is always with us, And life was full of hope. When Daddy held my hand After I couldn't catch a ball, Kept falling down the stairs, Off curbs and things like that; He and Mother took me back to Oklahoma, Where they operated on my eye, Saving me from total darkness. They gave me strength to Work and exercise that lazy eye, To make it strong again, But they let me peek , Out from behind the patch, The only time I cheated, For they told me how I mustn't, When the men walked on the moon, And life was renewed. When Daddy held my hand, He always held Lynn's too. When Big Brother went to school And I was still at home, The love was always equal. Each of his boys' differences Were overwhelmed by strengths - Not weaknesses. Lazy eyes learned how to share words, While the one who longed to read, Could shine in so many other fashions, Guided on so many paths That the two almost became one; Even graduating together, The first to ever do so of their kind, With hands held tightly, Heads up high, Tears of joy, and family all around, And life was whole. When Daddy held my hand, And tried to teach me how to drive, I was too grown up to hold on. Algebra was just a foreign thing I wouldn't try to understand. A teenager knows everything, And thinks fathers aren't so smart, And life was so much lonelier, While we were grown apart. When Daddy held my hand, And sent me off to college, It felt all right to go. I went away to Oklahoma, For he had been there too, But he wasn't with me. I felt lost and oh so lonely, Until he came to see me, But he had to go back home. I didn't do so well there. I was too young to know, That just because he wasn't There to hold my hand, I would be fine, And life was such a vale of sadness, Eleven hundred miles across. When Daddy held my hand, I graduated And came to Arizona, Where he helped me Find my way again, Even when I didn't want to try. I searched the whole world over, But came back home to stay. I became a teacher Just like he had done, To gather strength from young folks Sharing knowledge every day, And life was fun again. When Daddy held my hand, The very last and final time, He mouthed the words, "I love you!" I said I never doubted, All the years of love, And begged him to fight whatever Took him too soon from us. But those trombone player's lungs Just couldn't win that fight. He taught us all that life goes on, And we will be okay, Because Daddy's hands will really Always hold our hearts, 'Till we see him In those Halls of Glory, >From whence we'll never part, And life will be forever Although for now It breaks our hearts. Gerald Hankins Johnston October 18th, 2002

What a beautiful tribute for your dad. We share your sadness at this trying time and want you to know our prayers and sympathy are with your and your family. Sincerely, Nancy M. Boyd and family Genealogists never die, they just loose their census Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). Version: 6.0.268 / Virus Database: 140 - Release Date: 10/172002

My deepest sympathy to you, Gerald. The poem you wrote is beautiful. Thank you for sharing with us on the list. Your dad sounds like a very special "teacher" and a terrific father. You have written a wonderful tribute to him. I lost my mom a 2 1/2 years ago...I know what that is like......I miss her still. She and my dad had been married 72 years. He was so lonely without his "bride" at his side. Fortunately, my dad is still living in his own home, at nearly 92, and doing so well, he got married a year ago!! He is very loved and we, his six living children, are so happy for him. Bless you, and your family. Diane Biggar-Taylor > My dad died Wednesday, October 16th, 2002, after a two week > illness. This is something I started on this summer, but he never got to see > it. I hope it comes through somewhat in the right format. He was born in > Joplin, in 1929, with Roots in Taney Co., and the White River Valley area too.